CTO, Clearing at Intercontinental Exchange

B.S., Computer Science, 1991

What role do you play in the entrepreneurial ecosystem?

Currently, I am the senior Executive representative to Engage (http://engage.vc) for Intercontinental Exchange, supporting initiatives that provides guidance and funding to enterprise-based entrepreneurs and start-ups primarily in the Atlanta, Georgia business community.

As someone who has started two technology companies of my own and been responsible for running the technology for a $80B market cap company, I have many experiences and lessons learned that I can bring to building world-class teams and technology.

There are many opportunities through my CTO role at Intercontinental Exchange, the New York Stock Exchange, and the Atlanta-based entrepreneurial network to engage the next generation of technology and business leaders to help them develop professionally, build organizations and technology foundations to realize their vision.

What are some of your best memories of your time at Clemson?

 I am most fond of experiences with former classmates and professors some of whom I have had the pleasure to maintain long-lasting relationships. Originally from the Charleston, South Carolina area, when I am not in Atlanta, I enjoy attending sporting events in Clemson, eating oysters in downtown Charleston and taking in the surrounding beaches.

What were the key inflection points in your career after you left Clemson?

From a very early stage in my career, I found myself unexpectedly pushed into and later seeking out leadership opportunities. My passion is software architecture done right. I am an Enterprise Architect at heart and love working with and mentoring software architects and software development teams. The best conceived enterprise architecture and product designs can fail to be realized for many reasons most of which have little to do with the underlying technology. My experiences on teams that experienced major project failures were as important developmentally to inform my understanding as were the experiences and skills obtained when working on the best executed projects with the strongest teams. I love achieving the goal, building teams, sharing these experiences and watching young talent succeed.

What are your personal and professional dreams?

Personally, love and support my family, extended family and friends.

Professionally, participate and develop fantastic technology and teams that are built to last.

What would you recommend students do to maximize their remaining time at Clemson?

Interact and explore! There are so many groups, activities and events run by and surrounding the university. Develop as many friend groups, hobbies and academic circles as you can by forcing yourself to participate in the scheduled events found on university calendars. The experiences and connections made are so valuable and stay with you long after you leave Clemson.

What else should we know about you?

For twelve years now, I have participated and supported a wonderful charity called, ALTSO (A Leg To Stand On) which is a 503(c) non-profit org that builds and treats prosthetics, braces and wheelchairs for children with limb disabilities that cannot afford treatment.

Each year I perform in a rock-n-roll band at the premier event, Rocktoberfest, held at the Hard Rock Café Times Square NYC. Meet the Band. New York Rock Exchange. (altso.org)